Architect of universal good

http://worldmuslimcongress.blogspot.com/2008/04/architect-of-universal-good.html

The architect of universal good
By Ashfaq Ahmed, Staff Writer
Published: April 18, 2008, 00:28

The global Muslim “Umma” needs to develop a form of democracy that fits its social, ethnic, religious and economic structure, said Prince Karim Aga Khan, Imam of the Ismaili Muslim community.

“We have to look at the nature of democracy because I don’t believe that one shape fits all. I believe the Umma, like many other parts of the world, needs to develop its own form of democracy to overcome the issues Muslims are facing,” he said.

The Aga Khan noted that the Muslim Umma today is highly pluralistic and that it is going to function as a body of brotherly states.

“Acceptance of pluralism and investing in pluralism is to be one of the principles we have to look at to resolve issues facing the Muslims,” he said.

In an exclusive interview with Weekend Review during his visit to Dubai, where he inaugurated the Ismaili Centre, the Aga Khan said the problems of extremism and terrorism have nothing to do with Islam.

“I personally don’t ascribe these to Islam. I ascribe these to a portfolio of political issues — be it issues in the Middle East, Afghanistan or Kashmir,” he said.

The soft-spoken Aga Khan, who has a charismatic personality, has nearly 15 million followers around the world. Today, Ismailis live in some 25 countries — mainly in west and central Asia, Africa, the Middle East and in North America and Western Europe. The United Arab Emirates hosts some 5,000 Ismailis.

During the interview, the Aga Khan talked about the spirit behind Ismaili Centres, his development work in the fields of education, healthcare, architecture, culture, microfinancing and his vision to alleviate poverty.

He thanked His Highness Shaikh Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, for making the site available for construction of the Ismaili Centre in Dubai.

Excerpts:

What are the issues facing the Muslim Umma?

First, the globalisation of the knowledge of the cultures of the Umma is critical. We have to make known the cultural inheritance of the Muslims to the non-Muslim as well as the Muslim parts of the world because we will never succeed in building the respect and recognition that the Umma deserves unless we present the Umma as a remarkable carrier of civilisation.

The misconceptions about Islam and Muslims in the West exist because we are, even today, absent from the global civilisation. We should encourage the Western education system to bring in knowledge of the civilisation of Islam into the secondary education system.

I am thrilled with the initiative that Dubai and other states in the Gulf are taking by creating museums. Retracing our historical legacies and bringing them back in the modern world is extremely important.

How do you see the problem of terrorism in the world? Do you think it is widening the gap between the West and the Muslim world or even the Muslims and the non-Muslims?

I personally don’t ascribe these [extremism or terrorism] to Islam. I ascribe these to a portfolio of political issues. I consider these political issues the essence of the problem in the Middle East. It started in 1917 and, since then, the problem has been becoming worse.

The problem of Kashmir is again a political problem which started after withdrawal of the British from the subcontinent. Similarly, the problem in Iraq today is also political and has nothing to do with Islam.

But now we have an overlay. Since these political problems are located in the parts of the Muslim Umma, the totality of the Umma is being held responsible for this situation.

The media also tends to concentrate on the problem areas even as they ignore the Umma’s successes. Painting a negative picture of the entire situation is wrong because it does not involve the face of Islam. It involves essentials of politics within the Islamic world.

Secondly, it [the problem of extremism and terrorism] does not cover the Islamic world alone. Countries in Eastern Europe, Ireland and Spain face similar issues. I think that we should not say that the Umma is unstable and the rest of the world is perfect.

What should be done to resolve this issue?

More efforts are needed to resolve political crises. I think there are governments and organisations that recognise that the longer these problems continue, the more difficult they will be to solve. Similarly, the Irish problem and the Spanish problem have also been there for decades.

There have been theories about what brought unrest in the world. Do you think the world is heading towards a “clash of capturing natural resources”?

I think you are right. People are looking for a better quality of life and they are in a hurry. There is, in many countries, a sense of time lost. And when there is a sense of time lost, there is also a sense of urgency.

In the developing world, the sense of urgency is getting stronger. I think it is leading a number of forces to look at resources they can mobilise to harness those resources to the development process.

I think we are seeing a concentration of wealth in a number of countries. There is a search for new resources to exploit for national or strategic purposes. The situation can be changed by making a move towards using nuclear power, as it has the potential to change the global economic scenario.

Congratulations on the golden jubilee of your Imamat. Are you launching any special projects to mark this special year?

I am hoping to develop two new projects by the end of this year. The first is the sociological analysis of the communities around the world and an attempt to redefine the nature of acute poverty. We think that certain segments of the population in many countries are ultra poor.

As we see economies evolve, we are worried these segments will continue to become more and more poor. We are trying to understand the causes of this phenomenon in order to reduce, if not eliminate, poverty.

We believe poverty is not only economic but social as well. Families have no access to the platform from which they can grow, no access to healthcare, education, micro-credit or even a normal support system. It is a problem and should be addressed.

As far as our second programme is concerned, we are going to concentrate on increased longevity. People are living longer and the aged are increasingly finding themselves isolated from their families and from society. We would like to develop a programme to create a capacity to care for these people.

Since extended families are becoming less common in the industrialised world, it is now important to look at this issue. Through this programme, we will try to help the aged live an honourable life.

Also, during this jubilee year, we will lay the foundation of a number of educational and health institutions.

The Aga Khan Development Network has numerous projects focusing on communities. How do you select the areas and why?

We select areas to launch projects on a case-by-case basis. The projects stem from the analysis of the absence of certain facilities. If we find there is no credit system in isolated areas, we go for microcredit programmes. If we find a government wants to privatise an industry which has gone wrong, we try to step in. So it is with our educational, healthcare and cultural development projects around the world.

What is your vision of development?

There is a realisation that development should be in human terms. And to be measured in human terms, you have to look at quality of life, which is directly linked to education, housing and healthcare.

Today, many of the world’s economic and financial institutions have moved away from lending only for economy activities. They are lending for educational and health initiatives. This is changing the nature of the development support system.

The private sector in the fields of education, healthcare and microcredit can also be very important. It is in the interest of the developing countries to have a composite of facilities [which can be achieved] by involving both the private and public sectors.

What do you think you have achieved through your massive network of community development projects?

Success depends on the maturity of the projects. We have considerable maturity in our healthcare and educational projects and they have been serving the purpose. But we have less maturity in our cultural initiatives.

We are beginning to see the trend in cultural initiatives and I would love to say I have the confidence in the cultural initiatives but they are still young.

One of the important cultural projects — aimed at improving the quality of life —was the development of Al Azhar Park in Cairo. I am confident that we can replicate the cultural project in other parts of the world.

By launching such cultural projects, our focus is to improve quality of life and create opportunities for the ultra poor. Why did you set up an Ismaili Centre in Dubai and what is your vision behind setting up such centres in other countries? I think the creation of the Ismaili Centres is important because they represent the Ismaili community in the important countries in the world.

I hope that the centre will bring a sense of institutional purpose. We call them ambassadorial buildings because they are representatives of the Ismaili community and all its aspirations.

We first started building the centres in the West. Like the Ismaili Centres in London, Vancouver and Lisbon, the Ismaili Centre in Dubai will reflect a mood of humility, forward outlook, friendship and dialogue. More such centres are on the cards in Toronto and Dushanbe.

The buildings have a two-fold purpose. First, they serve as institutions for the Ismaili community and, secondly, they reach out to groups of people, creating spaces for quality exhibitions, culture and musical representation.

These centres allow us to build bridges for interaction among various communities, areas and cultures. You have been involved in so many things. What do you do in your leisure?

(Laughs) Usually it is work, work and more work. Occasionally, if I am able to get out, I go to the sea, to the snow or I look at the thoroughbreds that we have, because it is essentially the hobby that fits into the time that I have.

Any message for the community?

The spirit of Islam is to share knowledge and I always tell the community not to think in material terms. Think in terms of knowledge and think what you can offer our institutions in various parts of the world.

Raise our performance in healthcare, education, financial services and in civil society.

Many minorities from the Middle East countries are living in the West. Just think how wonderful it would be if young women and men return to their respective countries to strengthen institutions and do voluntary work for their countries.

Addressing social challenges

The Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN) is a group of private, non-denominational development agencies whose mandates range from the fields of healthcare and education to architecture, rural development and the promotion of private-sector enterprise.

Its agencies and institutions, working together, seek to empower communities and individuals, often in disadvantaged circumstances, to improve living conditions and opportunities, and promote creative solutions to problems that impede social development, primarily in Asia and East Africa.

They collaborate in working towards a common goal — building institutions and programmes that can continuously respond to the challenges of social, economic and cultural change.

Active in more than 20 countries in Europe, Asia, Africa and North America, the network’s underlying impulse is the ethic of compassion for the vulnerable in society. Its agencies and institutions work for the common good of all citizens, regardless of origin, gender or religion.

The network’s agencies are active in the Gulf and Middle East regions in the areas of urban development, conservation, restoration, education, healthcare, microfinance, higher education, culture and rural development.

The AKDN is an independent self-governing system of agencies, institutions, and programmes under the leadership of the Ismaili Imamat. Their main sources of support are the Ismaili community with its tradition of philanthropy, voluntary service and self-reliance.

Prince Karim Aga Khan

Prince Karim Aga Khan became Imam (spiritual leader) of the Shia Imami Ismaili Muslims on July 11, 1957, succeeding his grandfather Sir Sultan Mohammad Shah Aga Khan.

He is the 49th hereditary Imam of the Shia Imami Ismaili Muslims.

Son of Prince Aly Khan and Princess Tajuddawalah Aly Khan, the Aga Khan was born on December 13, 1936, in Geneva. He spent his early childhood in Nairobi, Kenya, and then attended Le Rosey School in Switzerland for nine years.

He graduated from Harvard University in 1959 with a BA Honours Degree in Islamic History. He emphasised the view of Islam as a thinking, spiritual faith: one that teaches compassion and tolerance, and upholds the dignity of man.

In the course of history, the Ismailis have, under the guidance of their Imams, made major contributions to the growth of Islamic civilisation. The Aga Khan has one daughter and three sons. They are Princess Zahrah, Prince Rahim, Prince Hussain and Prince Aly Mohammad.

The Ismaili community is at present celebrating the golden jubilee of the Aga Khan’s Imamat, which began on July 11, 2007, and will continue until July 11 this year.

The Aga Khan has plans to pay official visits to some 35 countries during this year and use this occasion to recognise the friendship and support of leaders of the state and government and other partners in the work of the Ismaili Imamat, and to set the direction for the future, including laying the foundations of major initiatives and programmes.

http://archive.gulfnews.com/articles/08/04/17/10206325.html

Please read: Aga Khan, 50 years of Imamat for potential representation of Muslims, as Pope represents Christians.

Global Religious leaders

http://worldmuslimcongress.blogspot.com/2008/04/global-religious-leaders.html

I am pleased to read this piece on HH Aga Khan by Reza Aslan. Indeed, when I wrote the article: Aga Khan, 50 years of Imamat I thought about the lack of coverage by the media to two of the worlds' greatest spirtual leaders. Mike Ghouse
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The OTHER global religious leader visiting America

http://ac360.blogs.cnn.com/2008/04/18/the-other-global-religious-leader-visiting-america/

Reza Aslan
Author, “No god but God”

The media spotlight on Pope Benedict’s first trip to the United States seems to have completely overshadowed the American tour of another global religious leader, the Aga Khan.

The Aga Khan is the spiritual leader of some 20 million Ismaili Muslims. The Ismailis are Shiah who broke off from the main Shiite branch of Islam, known as the Ithna Ashari, or Twelvers, in the middle of the 8th century. Ismailis live primarily in South Asia, while some 300 million Twelver Shia live mostly in Iran, Iraq, and other parts of the Middle East.

The Aga Khan — the title means something like “the Noble Lord” — is believed to be a direct descendant of the Prophet Muhammad. As such, his position among followers is absolute. He has sole authority to interpret the Quran and Islamic law, and his word on both subjects is infallible. But this Aga Khan, the 49th imam in a line that stretches back 13 centuries, is unlike any other spiritual leader.

He is a graduate of Harvard University. His personal worth is estimated to be in the billions. He jaunts around the globe in private jets and yachts. His father, the previous Aga Khan, was once married to Rita Hayworth. In his fitted suits and silk ties, he looks more like a well-aged movie star than a spiritual leader.

But don’t let the clothes and the fabulous riches fool you. The Aga Khan is not only a devout and transcendent man of deep religious faith, he is also one of the most generous philanthropists in the world.

His Aga Khan Development Network is a massive charitable fund dedicated almost entirely to caring for the poor. He runs nearly 200 hospitals. He funds thousands of schools, charities, arts programs, museums, and theaters.

His humanitarian services extend across the globe and, despite being funded almost exclusively by the tithes of his followers, are doled out to people of all faiths, whether Muslim or not.

He is a shining example of a moderate, pluralistic, and modern Muslim leader, which is why it’s a shame that he has come to the U.S. at such an inopportune time. (He is here to celebrate his 50th year as the Aga Khan).

For those of us who are sick and tired of media pundits always asking, “where are the moderate Muslim leaders,” and for those who want to punch something every time Tom Friedman sarcastically wonders why there are no “Muslim Mandela’s” out there, the Aga Khan, and the millions of modernist, democratically minded, reformist, and pluralist Muslims who follow him, are the perfect answer.

Too bad no one is paying attention.

Filed under: Aga Khan • Reza Aslan

Aga Khan: 50 years of Imamat

http://worldmuslimcongress.blogspot.com/2008/04/aga-khan-50-years-of-imamat.html

Aga Kha: 50 years of Imamat

His Highness, Prince Karim Aga Khan completes 50 years as the Imam of Shia Ismaili Muslim community.

Congratulations for leading the community to create a better world through interaction with all of God’s creation.

During the 50 Golden years of Imamat, his highness has dutifully followed Qur’aan, Prophet Muhammad and Hazrat Ali.

Hazrat Ali taught one to maintain a balance between spirituality and the world. We are born to live on this earth as well as be ready for the life hereafter. His highness Aga Khan has led his community to be successful in business not only for themselves, but through their service for the human kind. The Aga Khan Development is one of the most honored human service organizations dedicated to helping the downtrodden lift themselves on to a level playing field.

Prophet Mohammad (pbuh) described a good deed as an act which benefits others, such as planting a tree that serves generations of wayfarers with fruit and the shade. The world is a better place today because of a good legacy bequeathed to humanity by people of all faiths that came before us. We owe it to coming generations to leave the world a little better than we found it, to usher an era of justice and peace.

Aga Khan indeed has led his community to precisely do that through the net work of schools, hospitals and other institutions to serve humanity.

God addresses the mankind in Qur’aan, Al-Hujurat, Surah 49:13: "O mankind! We have created you male and female, and have made you nations and tribes that ye may know one another. The noblest of you, in sight of Allah, is the best in conduct. Allah Knows and is Aware."The Aga Khan has initiated one of the first institutions in the world committed to developing understanding between peoples of different faiths and traditions. Alhamdu Lillah, Praise the lord for his wisdom in initiating the Pluralism Center in Canada, a beacon of light for generations to come.

Prince Karim Aga Khan completes 50 years as the Imam of Shia Ismaili Muslim community. We are pleased to congratulate the Imam for leading a vibrant community that is seeking to create a better world through interaction and co-existence. The pluralism center indeed aspires to promote goodwill amongst people of different affiliations, regardless of their faith, gender, race, nationality, culture or any other uniqueness blessed by the creator.

The Golden Jubilee celebrations are carried on a grand scale in San Antonio, Los Angeles, Chicago and Atlanta with a massive religious gathering of Ismaili Muslims. The event, called the Golden Jubilee, will bring nearly 100,000 followers of Aga Khan in four venues shown below starting second week of April, 2008. He will also meet Governors and top officials of four states during his visit.May God bestow him with a long life to do more good to the humankind. Amen.

TEXAS GOVERNOR HONORS; AGA KHAN SPEAKS

Speech by His Highness the Aga Khan at theDinner hosted by the Governorand First Lady of TexasAustin, Texas12 April 2008

Governor Perry and First Lady Anita PerryDistinguished GuestsLadies and Gentlemen
Governor Perry, you have been very generous in your remarks - even as you have been most gracious in your hospitality. We are deeply grateful for the warmth of the Texas welcome which you have extended to us. Of course we have known from previous experience about the wonders of Texas hospitality. As I am told one might say in Texas, “this is not our first rodeo”. But I must also say that you have outdone yourselves today - and you have our deepest appreciation.

Of course, I know that Governor Perry is highly experienced as an official host - I understand you are about to become the longest serving governor in Texas history. And this accomplishment has only been the recent culmination of your long career in public service.

I am also looking back at a long career this year, as I mark my fiftieth anniversary as Imam of the Shia Ismaili Muslims. I have been celebrating this Golden Jubilee by visiting places which have been of particular importance to the Ismaili Community over the last half century.

As many of you know, I was studying in the United States when I succeeded my grandfather, Sir Sultan Mahomed Shah Aga Khan, as Imam in 1957. My ties here thus go back to the very beginning of my Imamat.It is fitting that the first stop on this current visit is in Texas. Of course, Texas is known around the world as a place which likes to be first and foremost in just about every area of accomplishment! So it should come as no surprise that for the Ismaili community - as for so many others - Texas is a place where superlatives apply.

Our community’s life in the United States began only a few decades ago - as our people, like so many others, found here a welcoming land of opportunity. So many of them settled in Texas, in fact, that the Ismaili community here has recently been the fastest growing anywhere on earth.
At the heart of that growth of course, is the fact that Ismailis have felt so welcome here. And the critical reason for that compatibility, I believe, is captured in the word “opportunity”. The American ethic and ideal – the Texan ethic and ideal - has always been one of openness to others and openness to the future. It is an ethic of opportunity, which the Ismaili Community deeply shares.

This commitment to opportunity is exemplified in the vitality of your diverse multi-ethnic society. It is rooted in a deep respect for the individual human being - independent of one’s background or origins.

The Governor has cited words from the Quran about the affinity of our religious commitments. The teachings of the Quran, like those of the Bible, also resonate with the words that rang out from Philadelphia in 1776: affirming that “all men are created equal, and are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable rights.” Those words express our common ideal.
One of the purposes of my trip this week is to meet with the Ismaili community - all across this country. But another purpose is to meet with civic and government leaders, and to discuss ways in which the Ismaili Imamat, the institutions of our Community and the Aga Khan Development Network can partner with them even more effectively.We would like to build, for example, on the encouraging start we have made, working with educational institutions here in Texas and elsewhere, to span the cultural gap which too often has separated the Islamic World from the West. As you may know, I see this problem not as a clash of civilizations but rather a clash of ignorances - on all sides - and ignorance is a condition that we can do much to remedy.
Similarly, I believe that we can work together to encourage the development of sustainable democracies in parts of the world where democracy has not flourished - reflecting even more rigorously on the conditions which make democracy possible, and helping democratic institutions adapt more effectively to local conditions.

Thirdly, I believe we can partner effectively in applying the world’s most advanced expertise to the challenges of development in parts of the world which are less advanced.
The United States’ position as a world leader, in my view grows directly out of its accomplishments as a Knowledge Society - and this Knowledge - rightly applied - can continue to be a resource of enormous global value.

I thought it might be appropriate for me to say a few words at this point about the Ismaili community and my role as Imam. The Ismailis are a diverse community within the Shia branch of Islam, living in many parts of the world, and encompassing numerous ethnic and linguistic traditions. Their diversity reflects the profound pluralism of the Muslim world. The diverse Ismaili community has been united over many centuries by an allegiance to the living hereditary Imam of the time.

Let me also emphasize the inseparable nature, within Islam, of faith and world: the intertwining of spiritual responsibility with the conduct of daily life. My responsibilities as Imam for interpreting the faith are thus accompanied by a strong engagement with issues relating to the quality of life, affirming the dignity of all peoples.

As many of you know, Ismaili institutions everywhere are anchored in the community’s Jamatkhanas, our places of congregation. Governor Perry has honored us by being present at the ceremonies in years past when we have laid the foundations and opened our Jamatkhanas in Texas, both in Sugarland and Plano. Most recently, the Governor’s encouragement has been instrumental in our decision to build the Community’s first high-profile Ismaili Center in the United States - and to situate it in Houston. For this support, Governor, we are profoundly grateful.

This new edifice will take its place along with six other Ismaili Centers - now located or soon to be located - in London, Vancouver, Lisbon, Dubai, Dushanbe and Toronto. You have mentioned, Governor, your own visit to the Dubai Center, which I had the honor of opening officially last month. We are confident that the new Ismaili Center in Houston, like the Center in Dubai, will not only enhance the physical fabric of the city, but will also serve as a tangible symbol of the values we share with our good neighbors here in Texas.

Shared values are what underly successful partnerships. We look forward to continuing and expanding our partnerships with the people of Texas as we work to extend the blessings of opportunity throughout our communities - and throughout the world.
My thanks to all of you for sharing in this memorable evening.

## # Comments:

I appreciate the material Hasni Essa has shared below, indeed, we, the people of the world, Muslims and Non-Muslims alike should seriously pursue HH Prince Karim Aga Khan to head the Organization of Islamic Countries. His leadership will certainly be good for Muslims and good for the World. He is one of the rare humans who is packed with spirituality, statemenship, political acumen and business savvy. His approach to solutions will build confidence in the community of Nations to raise every one up towards peaceful and prosperous societies.

The cry for leadership is there, and we will face a few people who wll oppose the moves, indeed it will augur the need for HH's leadership. We have to work towards this goal, and God willing let's take a few small steps and turn it over to the big people.

By the way, the gentleman who has written umpteen comments assumes I am a Ismaili, and even if I am, one should look to the work of HH Aga Khan and not my affiliation or admiration for HH's work, which is very Islamic; serving others. Look at the cash Middle East has and see what their leadership has done with it, and look at the Work done in Africa and Asia by AKDN and the fine management of far fewer resources. He has the ability to make that Middle East wealth benefit the World in general and Muslims in particular.

Mike Ghouse

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From Hasni Essa

Aga Khan

Aga Sultan Mohammed Shah, President of League of Nations representing Indian Muslim population in 1935 - 1937 to promote international peace and security

Excerpt from speech by Sir Sultan Shah at the conference of League of Nations:

"I am speaking here for many millions of my fellow countrymen,who place the love of peace and the repudiation of violence among the first of the human virtues; with them, the ideal of peace is no mere economic expedient; it is an element deep-rooted in their very nature. That is the spirit which it is my task to reflect in making what contribution I can to the proceedings of this Conference."

Excerpted from:

Star of India, Calcutta, 15 March 1934

A Call To The Islamic World..................

"The world of Islam to-day is at a turning point of its history.The Middle Ages are over and either Islam must now go foreward or be added to the other might-have-beens of history.The Muslims must now awake and taking their example from the glorious life and the marvellous teachings of the holy the Holy Prophet,build their spiritual and religious faith on Muhammed and work for the development in Science,Knowledge and and Politics, and social advancement along the lines of the most progressive races of mankind. My fellow Muslims,I implore you,I beg of you, to work for the advancement of the whole world of Islam, but never forget our spiritual debt to our Holy Prphet." - Aga Sultan Mohd. Shah

Aga Khan IV - destined for leadership of world-wide ummah

The Aga Khan says a “clash of ignorance” has led to friction between Islam and the West.

The Aga Khan said that pluralistic education is as important in the West as it is in the developing world. He proposed that the International Baccalaureate community of educators work together with the Aga Khan Academies to build a bridge between the developing world and the developed world, between North and South, and between the Muslim world and the West.

Together, we can help reshape the very definition of a well educated global citizen. And we can begin that process by bridging the learning gap which lies at the heart of what some have called a clash of civilizations, but which I have always felt was rather a clash of ignorances," he said.

Brother Mike,

First, let me congratulate you for fair and impartial presentation of "Aga Khan : 50 years of Imamat." on your community blog, which indeed is highly commendable by Ismaili Muslim Community.Hope leaders of Organization of the Islamic Conference would get to see your excellent blog and approach Aga Khan to lead OIC to build bridge between east and west for world peace and security.

We Ismaili Muslims believe, like his grand father, Sir Sultan Mohd. Shah, present Aga Khan who teaches and preaches the message of virtue, love and compassion and respect for other religions and sects is well fitted and capable to be president of OIC which represent 57 Islamic states.We also believe he is the right man who could represent world-wide ummah to stabilize international disequilibrium brought about by economic, political and social forces.

It's possible to settle minor political clashes between smaller nations.But, it's almost impossible to settle a conflict,if major power is involved.Aga Khan understands the realities of global politics and is well equipped socially, politically and theologically to be a liason between east and west and could contribute his time and knowledge to bring peace, pluralism and security in the world.

Since the fall of the Taliban in December 2001, the Aga Khan Development Network has channeled $380 million into Afghanistan, of that, $145 million came from the Ismaili imamate, and the balance came from donors, lenders and other investors in the Aga Khan's companies.The network fed 500,000 during a drought in 2002; built three bridges, 12 health centers and 26 schools; and repaired cultural sites including the mausoleum of former Afghan king Timur Shah in Kabul, says Mawji, the Kabul representative. It has also extended 6,400 microloans to farmers and traders and trained 189 midwives and doctors.

Hasni Essa
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COMMENTS::

Rashid Samnakay;

Folks, Salaams.
Congratulations to The Aga Khan on the 50th Anniversary. It is an achievement to have lead an organization for half a century and that too with out any scandal attached to the personality of the leader, which is in itself quite some thing in this day and age.

"His Highness, Prince Karim Aga Khan completes 50 years as the Imam of Shia Ismaili Muslim community".

There is one thing that leaves an unpleasant taste in the mouth though, and that is to see the prefix attached to the community of Muslims, like Sunni or Shia etc. To my humble understanding any adjective attached to Muslims renders it UNISLAMIC (6-159 etc).
teri nazar mey mai hun kaafir meri nazar mey tuu hai kaafir!- said Iqbal.

Muslims today, more then ever NEED a worldly-wise Leader to lead a extra ¡religious¢, that is Islamic Nation and represent it in the non Muslim world forum. That is what an Imam is to me.
One would be correct in jumping to the defense of the Organisation of Islamic Conference (OIC) , in this role. Unfortunately in this context its record to date is dismal to say the least . Does any body know the name of the Secretary of OIC? I would like some body to show me what it has done to date to stem the tide of Islam bashing (and correctly I might add as depicted by Muslim practices world wide) that has gone on say since 911.

My vote goes for The Aga Khan for this job, much to the chagrin of majority of "good" Muslims, I am sure!!!!
Rashid.

Mike Ghouse:

Rashid, beautiful sentiments. In one of my earlier postings I have expressed my thoughts as to who should invite the Pope for a dialogue - My suggestion was HH Aga Khan. He has demonstrated the leadership in business, spirituality, inclusivness and above all service to mankind. I am certain an overwhelming majority of Muslims, regardless of their suffixes or prefixes and differences would nominate him to represent Muslims in the dialogue for peaceful co-existence.

The other Muslim leaders who could join the Aga Khan are Syedna Burhanuddin, spiritual leader of the Dawoodi Bohra community, Ayatollah Ali al-Sistani spiritual leader of the Shia community, Secretary General of Organization of Islamic Nations Prof .Ekmeleddin Ihsanoglu and Shaista Amber, President of All India Muslim Womens Personal Law Board. These Men and woman can perhaps speak for the Muslim Community at large as they are the legitimate representatives who have earned their position and are well respected around the globe. It is time for them to step up to create a better world for the human kind, by reducing conflicts and nurturing good will.

Mike Ghouse is a Speaker, Thinker, Writer and a Moderator. He is a frequent guest on talk radio and local television network discussing Pluralism, politics, Islam, Religion, Terrorism, India and civic issues. His comments, news analysis, opinions and columns can be found on the Websites and Blogs listed at his personal website http://www.mikeghouse.net/. He can be reached at mailto:MikeGhouse@gmail.comor (214) 325-1916

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